Abstract

Polarization of the $^{198}$Au 411 keV $\gamma $-rays, resonantly scattered in $^{198}$Hg, has been demonstrated with a polarimeter which uses Compton scattering as analyzing process. The resonance radiation was found to be strongly polarized with its electric vector parallel to the scattering plane, which confirms the E2 character of the 411 keV transition in $^{198}$Hg.